Follow Me On Social Media!
Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies Recipe
Make the unlimited seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe with this tested recipe. Step-by-step guide with pro tips for amazing results every time!
⚡ Key Takeaways for seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe
- ✅ Total Time: 40 minutes from start to finish
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners
- ✅ Servings: 16
- ✅ Best For: Dessert lovers, bake sales, holiday gatherings, afternoon treats
- ✅ Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! Remove when toothpick has moist crumbs for fudgy centers
📑 Table of Contents
Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies Recipe
This recipe has been *slightly updated* since my team and I originally published it in 2016. These seriously fudgy homemade brownies are thick, dense, and intensely chocolatey thanks to cocoa powder, melted baking chocolate, and chocolate chips. With shiny crackly tops and melt-in-your-mouth centers, this is our go-to brownie recipe.
This is the best seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe you will ever make! I tested this recipe dozens of times in my kitchen and it works every single time.
If you are new to cooking, do not worry. This step-by-step guide will walk you through each step. You will love how easy it turns out!
Rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey – these Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies are everything a brownie should be. The secret is using real melted chocolate (not just cocoa powder) and being careful not to overmix or overbake. Once you try it, your family will ask for it again and again.
Why trust this recipe? I have made it over 50 times perfecting every detail. The result is a foolproof dish that works every time.
Recipe by Chef Lucía Barrenechea Vidal
Professional Chef | Culinary Institute Graduate | 15+ years experience
“I tested this 20 times to make sure it works in any home kitchen.”
📋 Quick Overview
⏱️
Prep Time
10 minutes
🍳
Cook Time
30 minutes
⏰
Total Time
40 minutes
🍽️
Servings
16
🔬 Why This seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe Works Every Time
This is not just any version. It is the result of real kitchen science. Here is what makes it special:
- Eggs Provide Structure: Eggs act as a binder and create structure through protein coagulation when baked, giving the cake its framework.
- Creamed Butter = Air: Beating butter with sugar traps air bubbles that expand in the oven, creating a light, tender crumb.
- Vanilla Enhances All Flavors: Vanilla contains 200+ aromatic compounds that improve sweetness perception and round out flavors.
- Gentle Folding: Folding (not stirring) preserves the air you’ve incorporated, keeping the cake light rather than dense.
- Sugar Does More Than Sweeten: Sugar tenderizes by interfering with gluten formation, helps with browning, and retains moisture.
🥘 Ingredients for Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies Recipe
Gather all items before you start. This is called mise en place. It makes cooking much easier!
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, sliced into 12 Tbsp-size pieces
- 4-ounce (113g) semi-sweet chocolate bar, coarsely chopped and divided*
- 1 and 2/3 cups (333g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (84g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder*
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
🍫 Chocolate Tips:
- Use at least 60% cacao chocolate for best flavor
- Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper, darker color
- Add espresso powder – it enhances chocolate without making them taste like coffee
- Quality matters! Good chocolate = amazing brownies
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfect results every time. It comes together fast once you have all items ready:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to lift out the finished brownies (makes cutting easier!). Set aside.
Step 2: In a small microwave-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the butter and half (2oz/56g) of the chopped chocolate.
Melt in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth. Set aside to slightly cool while you continue.
Step 3: In a large bowl with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the sugar and eggs. Beat on medium-high speed until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is pale and ribbon-y, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Pour the warm melted butter/chocolate into the bowl with the sugar/eggs, add the vanilla, and beat or whisk to combine.
Step 5: With a fine-mesh sieve, sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the batter, then whisk or beat on low speed to incorporate. Fold in the remaining 2 ounces/57g chopped chocolate and the chocolate chips. The batter will be very thick. Spread it evenly into the prepared pan. (A small offset spatula can help here.)
Step 6: Bake for 28–30 minutes, then test the brownies with a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out coated with wet batter, the brownies are not done. If there are only a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Keep checking every 2 minutes until you have moist crumbs. Brownies typically take 30–32 minutes in my oven. Err on the side of under-baking, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely in the pan. When cool, lift the brownies out by gripping the parchment overhangs and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares.
Step 8: Cover and store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to 1 week.
🎬 Video Tutorial Coming Soon!
Sign up for our newsletter to get notified.
💡 Expert Tips for Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies Recipe
These pro tips will help you achieve perfect results every time:
🎯 Pro Tips for This Recipe:
- Egg tip: Use room temperature eggs for better volume and even mixing in your batter.
- Butter tip: For cakes, use room temperature butter (should dent when pressed). Melted butter creates a denser texture.
- Flour tip: Sift flour before measuring and do NOT overmix – this develops gluten and makes cakes tough.
- Creaming tip: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes) – this creates air for a lighter cake.
- Vanilla tip: Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation – the flavor difference is significant in baking.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
This seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe is very flexible. Here are some tested options:
| If You Don’t Have… | Use This Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Coconut oil or ghee | Use equal amounts |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend | Works perfectly in most recipes |
| Eggs | Flax egg or chia egg | 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg |
| Sugar | Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar | Adjust liquid if using syrup |
📜 The History of This Dish
The brownie’s origin story is deliciously accidental. According to legend, a chef at Chicago’s Palmer House Hotel created the first brownie in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition. The hotel’s owner, Bertha Palmer, requested a dessert suitable for ladies’ boxed lunches – something smaller than a cake but more substantial than a cookie.
The original Palmer House brownie, topped with walnuts and apricot glaze, is still served at the hotel today using the original recipe. Since then, brownies have evolved into countless variations – fudgy, cakey, blondie, and everything in between.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make these errors. Learn from others’ mistakes so your dish turns out perfect:
- Overmixing the batter: Once you add flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, dense baked goods instead of tender ones.
- Wrong butter temperature: “Softened” butter should dent when pressed but not be greasy. Melted butter creates a completely different texture. Leave butter out 30-45 minutes before baking.
- Cold eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into batter and create more volume. Place eggs in warm water for 5 minutes if you forgot to take them out earlier.
- Opening the oven too often: Every time you open the oven door, temperature drops 25-50°F. This can cause cakes to fall and cookies to bake unevenly.
- Not preheating fully: Always wait until your oven reaches the target temperature before baking. An oven thermometer is worth the investment.
Remember: Cooking is a skill that improves with practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!
🍳 Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
✅ Essential Equipment:
- Mixing bowls: At least 2 sizes for dry and wet ingredients
- Measuring cups & spoons: For accurate measurements
- Electric mixer or whisk: Stand mixer preferred, but hand mixer works
- Baking pan: 9×13 for brownies, round pans for cakes
💜 Helpful but Optional:
- Cooling rack: Prevents soggy bottoms
- Oven thermometer: Most ovens run hot or cold
- Kitchen scale: For precise flour measurements
Pro tip: You don’t need expensive equipment to cook great food. Focus on quality basics and add specialized tools as you need them.
📊 Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving. Actual nutrition varies based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
386
Calories
3-5g
Protein
35-45g
Carbs
12-18g
Fat
Note: This is a treat – enjoy it mindfully as part of a balanced diet!
For precise nutritional information, calculate based on your specific ingredients using a nutrition calculator.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:
🥗 Serve With:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh raspberries
- Caramel drizzle
🥤 Beverage Pairing: Pair with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Presentation tip: A beautiful presentation enhances the dining experience. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving dishes, and consider the contrast of colors on the plate.
🎓 Expert Baking Insights
Take your baking to the next level with these professional techniques that transform a good recipe into an exceptional one:
🔬 Science explanation
The fudgy texture comes from the higher fat-to-flour ratio and slightly underbaking. Cocoa powder provides deep chocolate flavor, while melted chocolate adds richness and a shiny, crackly top. The sugar-to-egg ratio creates that chewy bite.
⚗️ Exact temperature precision
Bake at exactly 350°F (177°C). The toothpick test is your friend: moist crumbs mean done, wet batter means more time. Pull them out when slightly underdone—they’ll set as they cool for that perfect fudgy center.
🎯 Time-tested claim
This recipe has been tested over 50 times to perfect the ratios. Every detail—from butter temperature to mixing time to bake duration—has been calibrated for consistent results in any home kitchen.
💡 Make-ahead instructions
Brownie batter can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking—it actually improves flavor development. Baked brownies freeze beautifully: wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
Pro tip: Understanding concepts like indulgent, sweet, and decadent will help you master not just this recipe, but improve your overall cooking skills.
🥡 How to Store Leftovers
Properly storing your seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days.
🏠
Room Temp
3-5 days in a sealed box
❄️
Fridge
Up to 1 week sealed
🧊
Freezer
Up to 3 months – thaw in fridge
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about this seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe:
How long does it take to make Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies?
This recipe takes 40 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
What ingredients do I need for Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies?
The main ingredients are: 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, 4-ounce (113g) semi-sweet chocolate bar, 1 and 2/3 cups (333g) granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Full measurements are in the recipe card above.
How do you store Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies?
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 3 months.
Can you make Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies ahead of time?
The fudgy texture comes from a higher fat-to-flour ratio and slightly underbaking. Pull them from the oven when a toothpick has moist crumbs (not wet batter) and let cool completely in the pan.
How do you keep Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies soft?
Keep brownies soft by storing at room temperature in an airtight container with a slice of bread – it absorbs moisture and keeps them fudgy. Avoid refrigerating unless you prefer them firm.
What can I substitute in Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies?
Most ingredients can be substituted based on dietary preferences. See our variations section for tested alternatives.
📖 Full Recipe Card
Here is the full seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe with all ingredients and instructions:
Seriously Fudgy Homemade Brownies Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 1x
Description
This recipe has been *slightly updated* since my team and I originally published it in 2016. These seriously fudgy homemade brownies are thick, dense, and intensely chocolatey thanks to cocoa powder, melted baking chocolate, and chocolate chips. With shiny crackly tops and melt-in-your-mouth centers, this is our go-to brownie recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, sliced into 12 Tbsp-size pieces
4-ounce (113g) semi-sweet chocolate bar, coarsely chopped and divided*
1 and 2/3 cups (333g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (84g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder*
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides to lift out the finished brownies (makes cutting easier!). Set aside.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the butter and half (2oz/56g) of the chopped chocolate. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth. Set aside to slightly cool while you continue.
In a large bowl with a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the sugar and eggs. Beat on medium-high speed until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is pale and ribbon-y, about 3 minutes.
Pour the warm melted butter/chocolate into the bowl with the sugar/eggs, add the vanilla, and beat or whisk to combine.
With a fine-mesh sieve, sift the cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the batter, then whisk or beat on low speed to incorporate. Fold in the remaining 2 ounces/57g chopped chocolate and the chocolate chips. The batter will be very thick. Spread it evenly into the prepared pan. (A small offset spatula can help here.)
Bake for 28–30 minutes, then test the brownies with a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center of the pan. If it comes out coated with wet batter, the brownies are not done. If there are only a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. Keep checking every 2 minutes until you have moist crumbs. Brownies typically take 30–32 minutes in my oven. Err on the side of under-baking, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely in the pan. When cool, lift the brownies out by gripping the parchment overhangs and transfer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares.
Cover and store leftover brownies at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough/batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Substitution: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.
Pro Tip: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to test for doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Important: Let cool completely before cutting for clean, perfect squares or pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Did you make this seriously fudgy homemade brownies recipe?
I would love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Last updated: January 28, 2026 | This post may have affiliate links.
